Angel Has Fallen: Comparing It To The First Two Films In The Series

Luna Greco

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

4.6

Share

Plot and Narrative Structure

Each film in the Fallen trilogy presents a distinct narrative structure, evolving the overall storyline while maintaining the core element of Mike Banning's unwavering dedication (though tested in different ways).

Olympus Has Fallen: The Classic Siege

Olympus Has Fallen sets the stage with a classic terrorist siege plot. The film focuses on a coordinated attack on the White House, placing Banning at the center of a desperate fight for survival.

• Classic terrorist siege plot: The narrative follows a straightforward good versus evil structure, with Banning's skills and resourcefulness being instrumental in thwarting the attack.
• Emphasis on Banning's resourcefulness and combat skills: This film showcases Banning's exceptional abilities as a Secret Service agent, establishing him as a capable and unwavering hero.
• Clear-cut good vs. evil dynamic: The antagonists are clearly defined, leaving no room for moral ambiguity.

London Has Fallen: Expanding the Scope

London Has Fallen significantly expands the scope of the narrative, moving from a localized attack to a global conspiracy. The funeral of a world leader becomes the target of a large-scale attack, highlighting a wider political intrigue.

• Larger scale than Olympus Has Fallen: The action expands beyond the confines of the White House, encompassing multiple locations across London.
• Introduces more complex political intrigue: The plot delves into international power dynamics and hidden agendas, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.
• More extensive action sequences in multiple locations: The film delivers non-stop action with a greater emphasis on large-scale destruction and diverse settings.

Angel Has Fallen: A Personal Betrayal

Angel Has Fallen represents a significant shift in the franchise. The film moves away from large-scale geopolitical threats, focusing instead on a personal betrayal and conspiracy targeting Banning himself. This intimate approach makes for a more emotionally charged plot.

• More character-driven than its predecessors: The narrative prioritizes Banning's personal struggles and relationships, adding emotional depth to the action.
• Exploration of Banning's PTSD and personal demons: The film delves into Banning's psychological state, exploring the impact of his experiences and the consequences of his unwavering dedication.
• Incorporates elements of a man-on-the-run thriller: The narrative structure shifts to a more personal and suspenseful style as Banning must clear his name while evading those who betrayed him.

Character Development and Evolution of Mike Banning

The Fallen trilogy showcases a compelling character arc for Mike Banning. His journey is one of growth, testing his limits both physically and emotionally.

From Hero to Questionable Hero

Mike Banning's evolution across the three films is a key aspect of the trilogy's appeal.

• Olympus Has Fallen: Banning is portrayed as a highly skilled, unwavering hero, a symbol of American resilience.
• London Has Fallen: Banning demonstrates greater emotional depth and vulnerability, revealing cracks in his stoic exterior.
• Angel Has Fallen: Banning faces significant personal challenges that test his loyalty, morality, and even his sanity, forcing him to question everything he believes in.

Supporting Characters and their Roles

While Banning is undeniably the central figure, supporting characters significantly influence the narrative across the trilogy.

• The evolving relationships with the President: The relationship between Banning and the President evolves over time, deepening the emotional stakes of each film.
• The introduction and development of new allies and enemies: Each film introduces new characters who shape Banning's path, creating intricate relationships that drive the plot.
• The impact of supporting characters on Banning's journey: Secondary characters challenge Banning, support him, or even betray him, enriching his character arc and the overall story.

Action Sequences and Visual Style

The Fallen films are renowned for their intense action sequences and distinct visual style. Each installment offers a unique approach to action and cinematography.

Action Scale and Intensity

The scale and intensity of the action sequences evolve across the trilogy.

• Olympus Has Fallen: The film delivers intense close-quarters combat and the visceral thrill of a White House siege.
• London Has Fallen: The action expands to a larger scale, encompassing widespread destruction and multiple locations across London.
• Angel Has Fallen: Angel Has Fallen balances large-scale action sequences with more intimate and personal confrontations, reflecting the film's shift in focus.

Evolution of Filming Techniques

The visual style of the Fallen trilogy also undergoes a subtle evolution.

• Changes in camera work and editing styles: The cinematography evolves, adapting to the changing narrative focus and tone of each film.
• The use of practical effects versus CGI: The balance between practical effects and CGI shifts across the films, influencing the overall look and feel.
• How the visual style contributes to the overall tone of each movie: The visual choices reflect the tone of each movie – from the tense claustrophobia of Olympus Has Fallen to the more expansive visuals of London Has Fallen and the personal, intimate feel of Angel Has Fallen.

Conclusion

This comparison highlights how Angel Has Fallen, while maintaining the core elements of the franchise – Gerard Butler's compelling performance and thrilling action sequences – shifts its focus from large-scale geopolitical threats to a more personal and introspective narrative. The shift represents a natural evolution for the character of Mike Banning, adding emotional depth to the action-packed spectacle. The Angel Has Fallen trilogy, as a whole, demonstrates a clever evolution of plot, characters, and visual style that keeps the franchise fresh and exciting.

Have you seen the Fallen trilogy? Which film is your favorite, and why? Share your thoughts on Angel Has Fallen and its place within the franchise in the comments below! Discuss your preferred action scenes and character arcs within the Angel Has Fallen movie series. Let's keep the conversation about Angel Has Fallen going!